American homeowners, on average, pay $671 out of pocket for emergency sewer repairs, with one in 12 spending over $2,000.
According to a new data report from Guardian Service, 76% of homeowners underestimate the cost of major plumbing repairs, assuming it will be under $1,000. One in six homeowners are currently delaying a plumbing repair due to cost, while nearly one in 10 homeowners admitting they will not be able to afford an unexpected $500 plumbing repair today.
Two in three homeowners acknowledged having plumbing issues due to something inappropriate that was flushed or poured down the drain. Among the problematic items sent down the toilet are “flushable” wipes (43%), facial tissues (34%), paper towels (24%), female hygiene products (16%) and leftover food (10%).
As for plumbing issues related to the kitchen sink, nearly half of homeowners (47%) said they pour cooking grease or oil down the drain at least occasionally.
The new report also cited Google searches on plumbing problems, with the most cited inquiries involving clogged toilets, leaking water heaters, and freezing pipes; searches for “no hot water” surged by 55% during the winter months. The top states with the worst plumbing problems were Nebraska, Missouri, Indiana, Vermont, and Maine, while the states with the fewest plumbing problems were Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Idaho, and Alabama.
The report was based on Google Trends search volume data from the past two years and a survey of 1,007 homeowners.
Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures
